Growth

Let’s start with a familiar verse from Paul’s prayer to the Philippians (1:6),

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

It may not always feel that this is what’s happening in our lives… that we are progressing and moving forward in our relationship with Christ and growth in his grace. But it is. Because he has promised it.

The following quote from How People Change by Timothy Lane and Paul Tripp helps us understand this process and challenges us regarding how best to view our Christian life and the growth we should expect within it.

Life is seldom simple. Growth in God's grace is a process and not an event. Tough things are not going to turn around overnight because you have entrusted them to the Lord. The Bible is honest in its description of how grave and comprehensive our war with sin is. Individuals, friendships, churches, marriages, and neighborhoods don't turn around in a moment. The Bible describes the Christian life as a journey that often takes us through the wilderness. You will get tired and confused. You will have moments when you wonder where God is. You will struggle to see God's promises at work in your life. You will feel that following God has brought you more suffering than blessing. You will go through moments when it seems as if the principles of Scripture don't work. It will sometimes seem as if the wrong side wins. There will be moments when you feel alone and misunderstood. There will be times when you feel like quitting.

This passage is meant to encourage you to be full of hope in the midst of things you don't fully understand. You don't have to figure everything out. You do need to know and trust the One who does understand, and who knows exactly what he is doing. Do you look at your life as Paul looked at the Philippians lives and his own? Do you live with Christ-centered confidence? Do you want what God wants for you, or do you hold tightly onto your own agenda?

God will not quit until every bit of his work is complete in each of his children. We can have courage and hope in any situation. God's dream for us will come true.

Soli Deo Gloria